Essential Oils For Psoriatic Arthritis

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the connective tissue in the body, especially joints; it is more common in the elderly but can occur at any age. There are over 100 types of arthritis including gout, scleroderma, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and septic arthritis; with the two most common forms being rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Each type has a unique set of causes, symptoms and treatments. It is important to consult with your health care provider to develop an individualize treatment plan.

“Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis.” The symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and swelling most often in fingers, toes, back and feet. This is a chronic disease that may go through periods of remission or flare up and is not known to have any cure.*

Suggested essential oils for psoriatic arthritis – to calm pain and inflammation

Aromatherapy and essential oils can be used as part of a comprehensive approach to lessen symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and support comfort.

We recommend alternating between the following essential oil singles and blends. This helps prevent your body from becoming used to a particular oil. Method of application and dilution ratio will vary depending on the degree of discomfort, if condition is chronic or acute and duration of intended essential oil use.

e3 Blends for calming pain and inflammation
Joint Relief – Eucalyptus Globulus, Juniperberry, Lavender, Marjoram Sweet, Pine Needle
Muscle Soothe – Fennel Sweet, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Rosemary ct. cineole
Inflammation Blend – Chamomile German, Helichrysum, Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Wintergreen
Immune Blend – Black Spruce, Cistus, Lemon, Niaouli, Oregano, Plai, Thyme ct. linalol, Ylang Ylang Extra

e3 Singles for calming pain and inflammation
Wintergreen: Soothing, it is 95% methyl salicylate, i.e. aspirin
Precautions: Do not use if you are on a blood thinner. Use Wintergreen highly diluted (1% or less)! May be sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy and nursing. Allergies to methyl salicylate can be common, so a patch test is recommended before using Wintergreen. For short-term use.

Peppermint: analgesic, anti-inflammatory
Chamomile German: anti-inflammatory

Applications Methods

Baths, foot baths, hand soak and direct application are recommended application methods.

Bath – Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 – 2 cups Epsom salt. Fill the tub with warm water or cool water depending on what provides you with the most comfort; immerse yourself in the bath water then add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Hand Soak – add a total of 5 drops of e.o. preference to 1/2 – 1 cup of Epsom Salts. Fill basin with water (use warm or cool water depending on what provides you with the most relief) then add your salt mixture to water, gently stir and soak hands for 10-15 minutes. Recommended 1-2 times per day.

Foot Bath – add a total of 7-10 drops of e.o. preference to 1/2 – 1 cup of Epsom Salts. Fill basin with to water (use warm or cool water depending on what provides you with the most relief) then add your salt mixture to water, gently stir and soak feet for 10-15 minutes. Recommended 1-2 times per day.

Direct application – Use a 5 to 10% dilution ratio (5 -10 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, lotion or cream) and apply 2-3 times per day as needed. Do not use a mineral oil based lotion, cream or carrier oil; the molecules are too large to effectively penetrate into the layers of the skin.

Suggested essential oils for psoriatic arthritis – to calm stress

Reducing stress supports our body’s natural ability to move toward optimal health, balance and well-being. Choose an essential oil or blend which you love the aroma and one that gives you that “AHHH” feeling when you inhale its aroma.

e3 Single essential oils for calming & stress relief
Sweet Marjoram Origanum majorana (also gently warming and slightly analgesic properties)
Fragonia Agonis fragrans (also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties)
Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia (also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties)
Chamomile Roman Anthemis nobilis (also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties)
Rose Rosa damascena
Neroli Citrus auriantium
Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides

e3 Synergy Blends for stress relief
Stress Relief – Bergamot FCF, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin
Nerve Calming Blend – Bergamot FCF, Chamomile Roman, Lavender, Lemongrass, Marjoram Sweet, Petitgrain
Relax – Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram Sweet, Vetiver
Rebalance – Bergamot FCF, Cedarwood Atlas, Geranium, Mandarin, Sandalwood, Vetiver

e3 Single essential oils to uplift mood
Coriander Coriandrum sativum
Orange Sweet or Orange Wild Citrus sinensis
Mandarin Citrus deliciosa
Tangerine Citrus reticulata
Lime Citrus aurantifolia
Clary Sage Salvia sclarea
Jasmine Jasminum officinale

e3 Synergy Blends to uplift mood
Pick Me Up – Bergamot FCF, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Melissa, Orange Sweet, Peppermint
Mood Rescue – Bergamot FCF, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lime
Revitalize – Bergamot FCF, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Orange Sweet

Application Methods

Baths, Body Oil/Lotion, Diffusion, Spritzers, Massage, and direct Inhalation are recommended application methods.

Bath – Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 – 2 cups Epsom salt. Fill the tub with warm water or cool water depending on what provides you with the most comfort; immerse yourself in the bath water then add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Body Lotion – Add 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Diffusion – Follow diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with therapeutic aroma.
Easy alternatives:
Don’t have a diffuser? Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on cotton balls and place near by or tuck into the grate of a fan or air vent in your home or car.

Inhalation – Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again. (Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Massage – Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

Spritzer – Mix 30-60 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting it into the eyes.

If you suspect that you have psoriatic arthritis seek the advice of an MD and other health care practitioners who can advise you on healthy lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and medications to help to manage symptoms.

Would you like to learn more about essential oils – like where they come from, how they’re made and how to make your own special blends? Simply download our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.

Reference

* https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/basics/definition/con-20015006

Recommendations in this post are intended for adult use only and are not a substitute for medical care. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.